SKATEBOARD MEETING HELD ON FRIDAY 15^TH MARCH 2002 IN THE JACKSDALE COMMUNITY CENTRE

 The meeting was chaired by Mr Joe Wilmott, Ashfield District Council’s Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism.  Other presiding officers were Jack Sills, Ashfield District Council’s Officer for Outdoor Amenities and Geoff Dove, Ashfield’s Advisor  for Development Services. Edward Holmes, Ashfield District Council’s Local Councillor for Jacksdale was also present. There were approximately 100 local residents present of which roughly 20% were of the ages 10 to 17 years old. 

At outset, the Chairman stressed that the main objective of the meeting was not to make a final decision, but to listen to and take account of residents’ views and suggestions. Many factors would influence the final decision, which would take account of Safety, Location, Cost of Land, Ongoing Maintenance and Accessibility.  

The Chairman opened the meeting by reading letters forwarded by local residents who were concerned that the park would create noise and litter problems and attract drug abuse.  A further letter although agreeing that the youth do need a facility of some kind, believed that a skateboarding park should not be sited near people’s homes.   A third letter offered up ideas ‘for’ and ‘against’, which had been thought out by a group of local youngsters.  

This was followed by a short presentation by Councillor Holmes who explained that it was the youth of the village who had approached him with a signed petition to ask that a skateboarding facility be provided in the village.  The issue had also featured strongly in the Planning For Real exercise on ‘BADJER Day’ last April, with more than 50 requests that a skateboarding facility be provided.  Councillor Holmes moved that residents support this facility as our village has a severe shortage of facilities for the youth and that many were now playing in dangerous spots and on roads and near traffic.  Later in the meeting, Councillor Holmes explained that designs for the facility had been on display at Matthew Holland School and pupils were invited to choose the type of model they would prefer.  Councillor Holmes appealed to those present to support the active use of all of our parks, as we could lose them to building land one day if we don’t show we want to use them. He explained that land previously ‘earmarked’ for industrial development could easily be lost to developers or builders who are always seeking prime spots.  

The Chairman invited questions and comments from the floor and a lively and constructive debate ensued.  Many residents put their arguments for and against, voiced their concerns and discussed the pros and cons of the various proposed sites.  

The presiding officers explained that national government are very much in favour of providing recreational facilities for youth as we have a drugs and vandalism problem on a national level and is it thought that facilities will gradually help to alleviate such problems.  The government believe in a cultural strategy that will enable all people, of all ages, to be able to pursue activities they enjoy, which of course, includes the teenage age group. Such facilities also encourage youth to mix and learn social skills.  

During the course of the meeting, many issues were answered by the presiding officers.  Abuse of the facility and safety issues could be addressed by siting the facility in a spot where people pass by fairly regularly. Residents could form a committee of volunteers who would watch over the site. The police also hope to have a presence in the first few months.  Any road safety issues will be addressed by the council, in consultation with the Environment Agency. Youngsters could be encouraged to be involved in the implementation and invited to paint ‘art graffiti/montage’ on its sides to develop a pride of ownership and alleviate unwanted graffiti, litter and damage.  

The design model was also questioned as not being adequate.  It was explained that a model of middle ability level had been chosen so that more youngsters could participate. 

 It was also suggested that the money available be instead put towards a feasibility study to look into creating a larger scale leisure facility in the village such as a leisure centre or landscaped park with facilities.  The presiding officers explained that the funds available were ‘ring fenced’ for certain approved uses only and could not be spent on a study or the planning of a leisure centre.  However, larger scale initiatives can be addressed by local community groups,  via funding providers and interested residents should address this as a separate issue. 

The Chairman invited the youth to air their views but they were a little shy in speaking up. However their obvious interest was apparent by the number of youth attending. One youngster suggested that the skateboarding park should be in the centre of the village so it would be fairly accessible to all youngsters.  

The main issue seemed to be where the skateboard park should be sited. The presiding officers promised to ask Ashfield District Council to look at all of the proposed sites very carefully so that the merits of each site could be considered. The views aired by those residents present at the meeting would be taken into account to reach as fair a decision as possible.  Safety issues would be a main consideration. They also promised that this would be undertaken in the very near future.  

 Minutes/Notes By:- Carol Taylor-Cockayne (BADJER SECRETARY 2000 - 2005)